Chief Executive Officer

Role: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Bristol, UK (with regular travel to the US)

Package: OTE c£1m + 3 year additional comp plan

About GDS Group

GDS Group are an award winning digital events, intelligence and pipeline business that partners with over 50% of the Fortune 500 including IBM, Microsoft, Salesforce and Dell EMC to name a few.

With revenues in excess of £60 million, strong margins, delivery of over 2500 digital events and growth of 85% in 2021, these are very exciting times in the companies evolution.

Forecast growth in 2022 is c50% as we strengthen our position as an exciting, market leading next generation business in our space. GDS is currently in an accelerated growth mode and at the forefront of technology and B2B change and transformation.

GDS's HQ is in Bristol with office locations in Leeds, New York, Miami and Kosovo with a footprint of over 500 employees globally.

Visit GDS Group on YouTube to see more.

To find out more about GDS Group, please visit our web site at

About the Role of CEO

The CEO will report directly to the Chairman and will be based at the company headquarters in Bristol with regular travel to the US.

The primary responsibility will be to provide leadership and strategic direction; you will achieve this by driving operational growth and excellence and to define and execute strategy for the achievement of the company's overall vision.

We are seeking an engaging and charismatic professional to join our strong Executive Management Team, help shape our strategic thinking and identify and implement new, innovative ideas. Through your ability to align others behind your vision, you will be able to implement change, improvement and growth. You will be a highly visible ambassador for our vision across the business and in the wider market.

We are seeking a dynamic, authentic leader committed to making a difference and a tangible impact. The applicant should be able to highlight the impact they have made throughout their career, along with their motivations and drivers.

The successful Candidate will be who we believe has the strategic vision to take GDS forward over the next 3-5 years, continue our accelerated growth and manage the business in a dynamic and supportive way. Previous experience as a CEO is not essential, but you should be able to demonstrate success in significantly growing a large division or business unit in a senior leadership position. It's a hugely exciting and challenging opportunity!

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct and execute all strategy and operating activities by developing a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years and then cascade down to all departments in the business globally.
• Work to achieve GDS's financial targets
• Create a cohesive and results-oriented leadership team that works across functions for the common good of the company.
• Ensure there is robust performance management across the company to enhance productivity.
• Enhance employee engagement and manage the employee relations environment.
• Creation, leadership and management of a team that drives and supports revenue generation, customer loyalty and staff development
• Ensure all customer numbers, revenues and targets are achieved
• Attend Board Meetings and feed Company Directors with relevant monthly reports on company operations.
• Present a positive image of GDS in the market and through various media.

About You:Experience and skills

• An experienced senior leader with previous responsibility for the motivation and leadership of others in a highly creative, innovative environment
• A proven track record of achievement gained in a rapidly growing business/division (ideally £50-100m+ t/o)
• Previous strategic leadership experience gained within B2B Sales environments in the professional services sector is preferred
• A demonstrable track record of creating vision and direction for growth and success
• Track record of managing change as well as taking and creating ownership - we are looking for an energetic and decisive "business builder".
• A "new ideas" person with the energy, dynamism and ambition to drive GDS forward
• Someone to drive growth with a "hands-on" leadership style
• Excellent relationship management skills; the ability to influence, negotiate, and build collaboration across diverse functions and levels of seniority

Personal Attributes

• Thrives in a highly visible role with the credibility to inspire confidence and project a professional image
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
• Assertive but not confrontational; also possessing a sense of humour and perspective
• Brings a high level of personal energy and drive to the role, understanding the need to deliver and make things happen within the organisation, as well as having the ability to think and plan ahead
• A team orientated approach combined with the self-confidence to express an independent view when necessary.
• Determined and focused, self-sufficient and proactive
• The ability to lead change and organisational development in a fast moving, complex B2B environment
• Displays an empowering management style with clear leadership qualities to further develop and maintain the focus and commitment of the team
• Strong influencing skills

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a fast growing market leader in the Digital events space through the next phase of growth, so if you are interested then please send a cover letter and copy of a CV for consideration.